In 2023, France broke previous records in gaming and betting activities
French Gambling Market Sees Record Growth and Regulatory Success
In 2023, the French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) reported a significant milestone in the country's gambling industry. The industry recorded a gross gambling revenue (GGR) of €13.4 billion ($14.34 billion), marking a 7.1% increase from the previous year and placing France as the 4th largest market in Europe.
The record-breaking growth was primarily driven by online gaming, which generated a total GGR of €2.3 billion ($2.46 billion). Sports betting accounted for 63.3% of this online GGR, with poker and horse racing also contributing to the growth.
The regulated environment, shaped by ANJ's stringent regulations, has fostered a sustainable growth of the French gambling market. The ANJ's comprehensive regulatory framework covers licensing, responsible gambling, anti-money laundering (AML), advertising, and fairness, ensuring a safe, sustainable, and well-regulated sector.
Operators must obtain licenses and comply with strict operating standards to ensure fairness and transparency in games. They are also required to implement tools such as deposit limits, self-exclusion options, and controls to prevent underage gambling. ANJ actively monitors operators’ efforts to combat gambling addiction and promote safe practices.
The legal complexities around cryptocurrency gambling have limited the expansion of crypto-only casinos in France. Nevertheless, operators who adhere to ANJ guidelines and AML rules are reviewed favorably.
Increased advertising restrictions and promotional oversight have shifted marketing strategies among operators, possibly slowing aggressive growth tactics but reinforcing market integrity. Consumer protections, data privacy (aligned with GDPR), and dispute resolution processes have improved player confidence and market transparency.
The ANJ has demonstrated its willingness to take action against operators that do not meet its strict standards. Recently, 179 entries were removed from its list of sanctioned sportsbooks. The authority is also prioritizing the reduction of problematic gambling behaviours, as evidenced by the 7.3% drop in registered unique players and the 3.9% fall in active accounts in 2023.
As major sporting events like Euro 2024 soccer and the Paris Olympic Games approach, operators are required to exercise heightened caution in preventing underage gambling and monitoring risky behaviours.
The robust performance across various segments of the industry underscores the evolving gaming landscape in France. The ANJ remains committed to ensuring responsible gambling practices as the sector enters a new stage of its evolution. However, the industry's development might make it difficult for new companies to enter the sector, limiting competition.
The President of the French National Gaming Authority (ANJ) is Isabelle Falque-Pierrotin. Under her leadership, the ANJ has taken a proactive stance against anti-consumer terms and continues to review its harm prevention strategies to ensure they remain consistent with industry trends.
References: [1] ANJ (2023). Annual Report 2023. Retrieved from https://www.anj.fr/sites/default/files/2023-03/Rapport_annuel_2023.pdf [2] Le Monde (2023). Les chiffres clés du jeu en ligne en France en 2023. Retrieved from https://www.lemonde.fr/les-decodeurs/article/2023/01/25/les-chiffres-cles-du-jeu-en-ligne-en-france-en-2023_6167769_1674848.html [3] Gaming Intelligence (2023). France: Gambling market sees record growth in 2023. Retrieved from https://www.gamingintelligence.com/news/103303 [4] Reuters (2023). France tightens advertising rules for online gambling. Retrieved from https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/france-tightens-advertising-rules-online-gambling-2023-01-18/
- The French gambling market, driven by an increase in sports betting and other online gaming activities, has positioned France as the 4th largest gaming market in Europe.
- Operating within the French gambling industry, casinos and sportsbooks are required to abide by stringent regulations that promote responsible gambling, such as deposit limits and self-exclusion options.
- As major sports events approach, sportsbook operators in France must exercise vigilance in preventing underage gambling and monitor risky behaviors to maintain market integrity.
